Statutory minimum wage in District of Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The District of Columbia's minimum wage is $18.40 an hour from 1 July 2026, regardless of employer size. It is adjusted each year by the area's consumer price index no later than 1 July.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $18.40 per hour [2] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 July 2027 [1] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | From 1 July 2026 the tipped minimum wage is 56% of the minimum wage ($10.30 at the $18.40 rate), with tips on top; tips must cover at least the difference to the full minimum wage. It rises to 60% on 1 July 2028. [1] |
| Overtime payEmployees | 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours a week. [3] |
Notes
- The base minimum wage for tipped employees from 1 July 2026 is $10.30 per hour; if tips do not bring the pay up to the full minimum, the employer pays the difference. The rate applies regardless of employer size.
- The statute requires an increase by the Washington-area CPI-U, rounded to $0.05, no later than 1 July of each year. The 2027 amount had not been published in a source read.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia: D.C. Code § 32-1003. Requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- District of Columbia Department of Employment Services: Office of Wage-Hour Compliance (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (updated 1 July 2026) (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
District of Columbia and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | Yes | $18.40 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | By 1 July 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | Yes | $15.00 per hour | 85% of the rate under 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | Yes (state law) | $12.77 per hour | Trainees (up to 90 days): 75% of state wage or federal | 1 January 2027 | $13.75 per hour |
More rules in District of Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz · Growing at home: Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph (default) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 20 mph (default)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsMinimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (fountains, cones, sparklers only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No folding rule; 'dangerous weapon' ban applies · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade: possession banned
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.